Cast Iron Balcony Rail c. 1936

This image shows a cast iron balcony rail, drawn by Al Curry. It's all about the line here, isn't it? Each one is carefully placed to build this intricate design. There's something really pleasing about how Curry embraced the repetition of shapes like the grapes, leaves and curly details. It's a dance between control and a certain looseness, mirroring the way iron can be molded. Looking closely, the texture feels almost etched, with tiny marks giving depth to the flat surface. I am drawn to the way the vine wraps around the frame. It is so detailed, it seems like Curry delighted in the slow process of bringing that shape to life. This piece reminds me a little of the architectural studies by Charles Demuth, where he captured the precision and rhythm of urban structures. Both artists saw beauty in the everyday, turning functional objects into art.